Mr. Herz represents private and indigent clients statewide in state and federal courts. His practice emphasizes Criminal Law and Civil Rights. In his 28 year practice of law Mr. Herz has tried numerous serious felony and misdemeanor cases. Mr. Herz received his B.S. with honors from the University of California and his J.D. from the University of Oregon. Following law school he clerked for the Honorable Thomas E. Schulz, Superior Court Judge for the State of Alaska. Mr. Herz was the Supervising Attorney for the Palmer office of the Alaska Public Defender Agency,...

The Law Office of Ben Crittenden provides representation for the injured in Alaska. We have extensive experience in taking cases to trial and settling cases. We understand you are in a difficult situation when you come to us, and work hard to make your life easier and accommodate your demands.

The culture I employ in my practice is distinctive. Instead of hierarchy, I work in an environment where cooperation with my clients is key. Because I operate without layers of bureaucracy, I maintain a direct communication and close working relationship with my clients. My flexibility enables me to assemble solutions to address your legal needs efficiently and effectively. My connection with other attorneys in the Anchorage legal community offers the strength and depth of a large firm, without sacrificing the responsiveness and personal service you receive from a solo practitioner. On a daily basis, I achieve excellence in...

Steve Wells is a criminal defense attorney with nearly two decades of experience, including 10 years practicing in Alaska. He handles criminal cases at the state and federal level, and has a 97% record of success. Steve’s commitment to excellence has earned him the recognition of his peers, with inclusion in the 2014 edition of the Alaska Super Lawyers list and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers. He takes an active role in the profession, such as by serving on the board of directors for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and as a founding president of...

Since graduating from Vermont Law School in 2012, I have tried many cases before juries and have won a great majority of those trials. Even more often, I convinced the trial court to dismiss cases without the need for a trial. Whether charged with a crime, injured in an accident, looking to start a business, or buying a home, you need a lawyer you can count on. With me as your attorney, you can be certain you have an effective courtroom lawyer on your side, ready to fight for you.

Mr. Brown represents plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death cases, including aviation disasters, sexual abuse victims, insurance bad faith, and motor vehicle liability. In addition to being a successful civil lawyer Mr. Brown represents defendants facing criminal charges. Mr. Brown has represented those charged by the government criminally in a variety of matters ranging from misdemeanors to unclassified felonies.

During his career, Mr. Brown has successfully tried numerous civil and criminal cases to verdict. In 2011, he attended the prestigious Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College. This approximate 28-day intensive course is considered one of the most demanding training sessions...

John Hollis is a 2015 graduate of the University of California, Davis, School of Law. While at Davis, John was named to the Order of the Coif and the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. He was a member of the Trial Practice Honors Board, the Managing Articles Editor for the Journal of Juvenile Law and Policy, and a participant in the Aoki Federal Defender Clinic, through which he helped draft an appellate brief to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Before joining Cashion Gilmore, John clerked for Chief Justice Craig F. Stowers at the Alaska Supreme Court. John's...

My practice as a licensed attorney began in federal court, clerking for the Honorable James K. Singleton. During that time I developed a passion for criminal defense, and subsequently had the honor of working for the Alaska Public Defender Agency in both rural and urban settings. Ultimately, I became the supervisor of the trial unit in the Anchorage office of the Alaska Public Defender Agency, overseeing all felony and misdemeanor trial attorneys. I developed a broad base of trail experience during my time with the Agency, and am grateful for the tremendous opportunity it afforded. Now...

Criminal law addresses the government's prosecution of individuals who have been accused of committing a crime. Such laws may be federal, state, or local. The prosecution represents the people of a particular jurisdiction, and acts on behalf of the government by bringing a case against an accused. Under the U.S. Constitution, a person accused of a crime may have the right to a criminal defense attorney during interrogations and certain other times before and during a trial.

Whether you are under police investigation, have been arrested, or are facing charges, having an advocate familiar with the criminal justice system.

Most jurisdictions classify crimes as felonies or misdemeanors, with felonies being the more serious offenses with the possibility of more severe sentences. Some criminal lawyers focus on a specific area of criminal defense law, such as white-collar crime, drug offenses, theft crimes, or violent crimes. You should consult with a criminal defense lawyer early on in the process to preserve options, such as diversion programs or plea bargains.

When hiring a criminal defense attorney, you should evaluate the experience and fee structure of the attorney. Some offer a free consultation to discuss your case.

Accomplice liability:
If a person aids, assists, or encourages another in the commission of a crime, they are criminally liable as an accomplice to the crime.

Self-defense:
The claim that an act otherwise criminal was legally justifiable because it was necessary to protect a person or property from the threat or action of another.